Plato Essay

Due to experiencing the volatile state of the Athenian government, it is not surprising that Socrates had much to say on the topic of political philosophy. Central to his political theory was his position on how citizens ought to approach ethics and politics. In the Apology, Socrates' conduct demonstrates his belief that citizens must not be complacent when it comes to political virtue. In order to push citizens out of complacency, Socrates used a method called the “elecnhus” to prod citizens to discover the true definition of virtues (Jowett, 2009). In doing this, Socrates hoped to promote a rigorous understanding of traditional moral virtues; an understanding of what courage, justice, and wisdom, truly meant (Jowett, 2009). At first…show more content…It was seen as radical because such questioning of traditional values was seen as insulting and violating these same values (Jowett, 2009). While this may be seen as radicalism, it is clear that this is not the case when Socrates' concept of the spiritual realm and the forms are introduced. Stemming from his theory of values, Socrates believed that all traditional Greek values existed in a pure and absolute form that could only become known through reason (Jowett, 2009). Therefore, the purpose of questioning the traditional values was only in order to stimulate the realization of the true essence of these values. Socrates believed that by doing so, it was the ultimate act of respect to traditional moral values, and the first motive can thus be interpreted as conservative.
However, the questioning of traditional values ultimately entailed the questioning of Athenian laws. While this also may be seen as radicalism, it is clear that this is not the case when Socrates' distinguishes the difference between the worldly realm and the spiritual realm. Socrates believed that all traditional Greek values were embodied in a universal law within the spiritual realm, that is above the malleable Athenian law which existed in the physical realm. While

Related Documents: Plato Essay

Rhianna Ragsdale
9/17/13
English 102
Plato, was an aristocratic philosopher who was educated under the wing of the ever engaging Socrates. Today, his beliefs and writings litter the ideals of a vast number of governments and his writings fill libraries. Plato’s views were unlike earlier approaches in that they were not driven by wars or other external threats. His focus was on morality and politics. In describing the political status quo, Plato's fundamental premise was that it is human nature…

In the beginning of this argument (Plato and Zeyl 39), the question from Socrates to Polus is which is worse, doing what’s unjust or suffering it? Polus responds that suffering is worse and Socrates proceeds to ask which is more shameful doing what is unjust or suffering from it. Polus says doing what is unjust is more shameful which leads Socrates to ask if doing an injustice is more shameful then shouldn’t it be worse. Polus states that is not the case which leads Socrates to believe that Polus…

Plato
Plato is one of the pupils of Socrates and is credited to leaving behind the most substantial philosophical writings to influence posterity. He uses to reason to explain why things are the way they are in the human mind and in the community. In this excerpt from Plato he reasons to answer some questions regarding morality and immorality.
The first thing that Plato discusses is about a prisoner who has always been in darkness and only been able to see shadows. He talks about the transition…

﻿In Contrast to Plato
Unlike Plato, Aristotle believed that sensory perceptions in the human soul are reflections of
objects, and thoughts in consciousness are based on what we have already seen. He believed that humans
have the innate power of reason, and the innate faculty of organizing things into categories and classes,
but no innate ideas.
No Innate Ideas
Plato believed that the idea “chicken” came before the sensory world’s…

Plato & AUgustine
Term Paper
Philosophy. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary philosophy is “the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life.” Over the course of the semester, we have read two books which involve two quite infamous beings and their works. We have studied the Eight Essential Dialogues by Plato and the Confessions by Augustine. Through their works, we are able to begin understanding, at a deeper level, their ideals on knowledge, truth, the nature…

succeded to preserve its attractiveness since the very early period of history writing. Besides its philosophical and political studies, story of the Atlantis took place in Plato's two dialogues which are Timaeus and Critias. Yet, it is a clear fact Plato tended to manage a didactic tone which is not surprising for the Ancient Greek historiography. Thus, the story of Atlantis contains more complex themes rather than being an intriguing tale. Roughly, the story starts with an explanation clarifying how…

believed in a version of “heaven and hell” where bad souls went to the underworld and good souls went to a tranquil paradise. Socrates describes this Grecian belief and parallels Talib’s quote in his idea of the afterlife as described in, Gorgias by Plato. The entire dialogue of Gorgias asserts that living a just life is the only true form of happiness and, therefore, tyranny is worse for the tyrant than the oppressed. If one lives a just life, he confirms a positive judgment in the hereafter while…

Comprehending the Mind's Aging Eye
"The Allegory of the Cave," by Plato, explains that people experience emotional and intellectual revelations throughout different stages in their lives. This excerpt, from his dialogue The Republic, is a conversation between a philosopher and his pupil. The argument made by this philosopher has been interpreted thousands of times across the world. My own interpretation of this allegory is simple enough as Plato expresses his thoughts as separate stages. The stages, very…

Ultimate Basis of Reality
Plato, a philosopher that lived more than 2,400 years ago, has proven himself to be, as time has elapsed, one of the brightest men ever to inhabit the earth. Although it is not certain, it is believed that he was born a little over 400 years before Christ in ancient Greece. He was brought up in the home of a wealthy and influential family in Athens and his parents made sure that he got the best education money could buy. Before I discuss Plato further, it is critically important…

Critical Response to Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”
An allegory is a poem, story, or piece of art that has a hidden message or meaning contained within. Normally an allegory has either a moral or political message. Within the Allegory of the Cave, Plato presents a moral message. The moral message shows how civilization is blind to adjust and grow both intelligently and ethically; that contains us as a group and individuals. I believe that people should learn to understand difference and appreciate…

Words 1052 - Pages 5

* Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with this website.